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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 130 asked in the Legislative Council on 12 March 2019 by Hon Donna Faragher

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

SCHOOL VIOLENCE

130. Hon DONNA FARAGHER to the Minister for Education and Training:

I refer to the answer given to question without notice 4, asked on 12 February 2019, regarding the new alternative learning centres for the most violent students.

(1) On what date did each alternative learning centre open?

(2) For each centre —

(a) will the minister provide a breakdown of staff roles;

(b) have all staffing positions been filled; and, if not, what vacancies remain at each centre;

(c) what is the maximum number of students who can attend at any one time; and

(d) how many students are currently enrolled?

(3) What is the process for selecting students to attend these centres?

Hon SUE ELLERY replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question.

(1) The alternative learning settings program is a trial. It started on 4 February 2019.

(2) (a) Each program is staffed with three FTE teachers and two FTE support staff.

(b) No. The following vacancies remain: one support staff in the north metropolitan setting; one teacher in the south metropolitan setting, because the teacher initially appointed decided to return to their substantive position; and one support staff in the regional setting. Processes to fill these positions are underway.

(c) The alternative learning settings program trial is only one option. It is important to note that students will not remain in the alternative learning setting indefinitely. Rather, the intention is to stabilise their behaviour and identify other options when it is safe to do so. The program will be tailored to the needs of each individual student in partnership with their parents or caregivers. Each of the three trial sites can cater for 10 students per program.

(d) Alternative learning settings are not schools and therefore do not formally enrol students. Students participate in the program through section 24 of the School Education Act 1999, alternative attendance arrangements. Eight students are currently participating in the programs. This number will increase over the coming weeks as schools continue to implement the action plan to address violence in schools.

(3) Students are recommended for the program through the regional education office or the School of Special Educational Needs: Behaviour and Engagement. Students excluded for physical aggression are automatically considered for the program.